Salary & Cost of Living in Racine, WI
Racine, WI: $48,000 median salary, cost of living index 85, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,000
$23/hr
Cost of Living
85
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
4%
rate
Racine, WI Overview
Population
77,816
Median Salary
$48,000
Average Salary
$53,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$150,000
Median Rent
$850/mo
Job Growth
+0.8%
Sales Tax
5.5%
Racine is located in Wisconsin with a population of 77,816. The median household salary is $48,000 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.8%.
Racine Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Racine, WI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,063
$3,171.88/month · $1,463.94/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.7%
Gross Pay
$48,000
Federal Tax
-$3,722
State Tax
-$2,544
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,672
Net Pay
$38,063
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,000.00 | $48,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$310.13 | -$3,721.50 |
| Wisconsin State Tax (5.3%) | -$212.00 | -$2,544.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$248.00 | -$2,976.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.00 | -$696.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,171.88 | $38,062.50 |
Salary Comparison: Racine vs Other Cities
See how Racine's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racine, WI | $48,000 | 85 | $56,471 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Decatur, AL | $48,000 | 84 | $57,143 |
| Springdale, AR | $48,000 | 86 | $55,814 |
| Pomona, CA | $48,000 | 115 | $41,739 |
| Pueblo, CO | $48,000 | 88 | $54,545 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Racine
Racine's cost of living index is 85 (national average = 100). Living in Racine is 15% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$150,000
Median Monthly Rent
$850
Annual Rent Cost
$10,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,063 annual take-home pay in Racine has the purchasing power of approximately $44,779 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Racine
Racine's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,000.
Salary Tips for Racine Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Racine has a cost of living 15% below the national average. A salary of $48,000 here has the purchasing power of about $56,471 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Racine's top industries include Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Racine, WI?
The median salary in Racine, WI is $48,000 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $53,000. This is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI?
Racine's cost of living index is 85 (national average = 100), meaning it is 15% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $150,000 and the median monthly rent is $850.
What are the best industries in Racine?
The top industries in Racine, WI include Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 0.8% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,000.
How does Racine's salary compare to other cities?
Racine's median salary of $48,000 is 19.2% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 85), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,471.
What is the minimum wage in Racine, WI?
The minimum wage in Racine, WI is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.